This in-person session will take place on March 3, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Center Club in Baltimore, led by Saana Holley, Founder of NeedHR Partner.

Saana Holley brings a broad base of experience across the Human Resources continuum, supporting organizations through people strategy, employee relations, HR policy development, labor and employment compliance, full-cycle recruitment, and process improvement. Her work focuses on helping mission-driven organizations adapt their people systems to support growth, accountability, and long-term stability.

In many nonprofits, Human Resources is reduced to forms and compliance tasks. This session reframes HR as a strategic partner that strengthens how organizations attract people, retain talent, and build a healthy culture as they grow. Leaders will examine how HR clarifies roles, sets expectations, and reduces the strain that comes from leadership teams carrying too much operational weight.

A core focus of the session is employer brand, defined as what people believe about your organization as a place to work or serve. Participants will explore how intentional HR practices shape that perception and help align internal culture with mission and values, so staff and volunteers understand what they are stepping into before they join.

The session also addresses early-stage realities, including volunteer-led organizations and small teams. People challenges still emerge at every stage, and retention often depends on clarity, belonging, impact, and respect for time rather than compensation alone.

Leaders will leave with a clearer understanding of what strategic HR looks like across growth stages and how to build people systems that support sustainability, accountability, and strong mission delivery.

This workshop is exclusively for the 2025-2026 BLK Leadership Accelerator Class.

For those who couldn’t enroll in the in-person cohort, the virtual content is readily available through our member portal, ensuring all our members can access these invaluable insights and knowledge.

If you have questions or need further details, feel free to reach out and send an email to info@theblackednetwork.org.